NASCLA Accredited Commercial General ContractorWoodMedium
A general contractor is overseeing the construction of a large commercial building that utilizes Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) beams for long spans. During a site inspection, a small crack is observed running along the grain of one of the Glulam beams. The crack is about 1/16 inch wide and 6 inches long, located near the top edge. What is the most appropriate initial action for the contractor to take?
- AConsult the structural engineer of record to assess the crack's impact on structural integrity.
- BFill the crack with epoxy and continue construction, as it's likely cosmetic.
- CApply a temporary shoring system and monitor the crack's progression for a week.
- DImmediately replace the beam, as any crack indicates structural failure.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Consult the structural engineer of record to assess the crack's impact on structural integrity.
While some minor checking is normal in Glulam, any crack, especially in a structural member, warrants evaluation by the structural engineer. They are best equipped to determine if the crack is cosmetic, a shrinkage check, or indicative of a more serious issue requiring repair or replacement, based on the design specifications and load conditions.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Filling with epoxy without an engineering assessment can mask a problem or be an inadequate repair if the crack is structural.
- C. Applying temporary shoring might be necessary, but only after an engineer's assessment. Monitoring without expert input is insufficient for a structural beam.
- D. Not all cracks indicate structural failure; immediate replacement is often premature without an engineering assessment.
Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) Cracks
Checks or cracks that can occur in Glulam beams due to inherent wood properties, drying, or stress, requiring careful assessment to distinguish cosmetic from structural issues.
- Small surface checks are common and usually not structural.
- Cracks can be caused by drying, stress, or manufacturing defects.
- Structural engineer must evaluate any significant or suspicious cracks.
Memory trick: When a Glulam beam shows a frown, call the expert before it falls down.